Pattern Formation in Homogeneous Polymer Solutions Induced by a Continuous-Wave Visible Laser

We report an unexpected nonphotothermal material organization induced by continuous-wave visible laser light at low power levels. This effect is observed along the laser beam propagation direction in fully transparent entangled solutions of common homopolymers featuring sufficiently high molecular m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2002-07, Vol.297 (5578), p.67-69
Main Authors: Sigel, R., Fytas, G., Vainos, N., Pispas, S., Hadjichristidis, N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anisotropy
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Imaging
Inhalants
Laser beams
Laser power
Lasers
Light
Light refraction
Memory interference
Monomers
Object Manipulation
Physicochemistry of polymers
Physics
Polymers
Polymers and radiations
Properties and characterization
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Summary:We report an unexpected nonphotothermal material organization induced by continuous-wave visible laser light at low power levels. This effect is observed along the laser beam propagation direction in fully transparent entangled solutions of common homopolymers featuring sufficiently high molecular mass and optical anisotropy along the chain backbone. The resulting formation of long-lived stringlike or dotlike patterns on the micrometer scale, probed by dark-field coherent imaging, depends on the molecular mass, architecture, solvent nature, and polymer concentration. Electrostrictive and alignment forces as well as chain cooperativity are responsible for the osmotic compression of the polymer solute. Subsequent waveguiding effects induce autoamplification and "pattern writing" upon prolonged illumination. This wave-medium coupling could potentially lead to photorefractive, microoptics, and nanotechnology applications.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.1071930